Okereke stated he at all times ‘had my eye’ at the Giants in unfastened company
Bobby Okereke is a skilled participant who had choices getting into his unfastened company. However Okereke at all times had his eyes at the Giant Apple and the New York Giants.
“This was once a staff I had my eyes on,” the Giants’ new off-ball linebacker stated Thursday. “There was once a large number of mutual passion. When issues got here in line, simply labored it out with my agent. I advised him that when now we have the appropriate deal, I’m in a position to drag the cause. So, it is truthfully the very best scenario for me.
“There have been a couple of groups inquisitive about the entire procedure. And I advised my agent from day one, ‘I need to play in New York Town.’ New York Town has been considered one of my favourite towns, rising up, my complete existence. And this franchise is rising. I used to be very lucky to play in the back of (Colts defensive linemen) DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart. Very particular defensive take on, and so that you could mirror that, if no longer make stronger with Dexter Lawrence and Leonard Williams right here, it is a very lucky alternative for me as a linebacker. I am excited. I am excited for the chance I’m excited to fulfill the leaders of this staff. I’m excited to be part of this protection and franchise.
Okereke signed a four-year, $40 million contract on Wednesday, making improvements to on a scenario the place the Giants were not in a position to discover a everlasting answer a season in the past.
Okereke had 132 tackles in 2021 and 151 in 2022. He’s additionally recognized to be a very good protection linebacker, which the Giants may just undoubtedly profit from. Alternatively, he hasn’t had a breakout efficiency incessantly in his profession, and has handiest two sacks in his 4 seasons.
He is aware of Vink will substitute Martindale as his defensive coordinator.
“I will blitz much more, which I am enthusiastic about,” Okereke stated. “I love to play rapid and bodily. And I feel that is why Trainer Martindale blitzes such a lot, so the avid gamers can play freely. There is no longer a large number of pondering, and that is the reason what you wish to have to finally end up with. You need to do away with the pondering and simply make rapid selections.”
Okereke stated that with the Indianapolis Colts he was once incessantly used as a protection linebacker whilst others have been despatched to blitz.
“I feel protection has been such an asset of mine,” Okereke stated. “Coaches have at all times felt that in the event that they assault me in entrance, I’m a man who can transparent issues up. Or if I am the one guy in protection, I am about to get stuck.
Listed below are probably the most different subjects Okereke addressed on Thursday.
Week 17 vs. Giants
Okereke had a career-high 17 tackles within the 38–10 loss to the Giants, together with two for loss and a pressured fumble.
Okereke stated, “In truth the whole lot got here in combination in that sport.” “I used to be simply excited, enjoying actually neatly. And I were given right into a groove in that sport, clearly 17 tackles. Had a pressured fumble, then some TFLs (tackles for loss). Very unfastened enjoying me Felt. So, it was once thrilling. And for it to be my very best sport of the yr, for it to come back complete circle, and for me to be a New York Large on this second, it is actually surreal.
Okereke additionally drew a non-public foul penalty overdue in that sport for successful on quarterback Daniel Jones, and he is aware of he’s going to be listening to about it from his new teammates.
“Perhaps some humorous shit will occur,” Okereke stated. “However Daniel and I made it higher after the sport. I advised him it wasn’t intentional. He is a aggressive man. I am a aggressive man. He is looking to run away and I am looking to forestall him from working away.” am. Clearly no longer deliberately looking to hit him within the head or the rest. However we ditched it and cleared the air. We will have to be just right. Purple jersey – he is protected. I am hands-off .
Jones gave Okereke a shot of his personal on a scramble later within the sport. As a freshman, Okereke stated he can recognize that concerning the quarterback.
“The loopy factor about it’s clearly when a quarterback is working, you’re feeling like he can slide. However right through that sport, you need to simply really feel his pleasure to win,” Okereke stated. “He is working into the tip zone. He is barling in me. He’s doing the whole lot imaginable to make his staff win. So, I’ve a large number of recognize for that man. And I am excited to be teammates with him.”
Paris Campbell’s signature
Previous Thursday, the Giants added extensive receiver Parris Campbell — a teammate of Okereke’s with the Colts. Okereke stated he was once “excited as hell” about Campbell becoming a member of the Giants.
“You might be getting a quick, bodily man. And you are getting an excellent chief,” Okereke stated. “He has an excellent persona. He is aggressive. Parise is solely an excellent man.
Campbell’s first 3 NFL seasons have been marred through accidents. Okereke stated he at all times knew Campbell, who had a career-best 63 receptions in 2022, is usually a productive participant if he can keep wholesome.
“He at all times had unique pace. I noticed that from day one OTAs. Were given guys to come back into the league and to find his frame,” Okereke stated. He has confronted a large number of adversity with accidents, however it It is made them extra resilient. You noticed in his first yr of full-time manufacturing, he was once very a success. So, he is simply taking a look ahead to capitalizing on that and rising.
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